The prestigious $20 million Saudi Cup is set for a spectacular sixth edition, with an elite lineup of international contenders ready to battle at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 21-22. Among the headliners are Romantic Warrior (IRE), White Abarrio (USA), Laurel River (USA), and Forever Young (JPN), promising an electrifying contest in the world’s richest horse race.
Romantic Warrior, a three-time Hong Kong Cup champion trained by Danny Shum, will make his debut on dirt under the guidance of his long-time jockey James McDonald. He will be up against 2024 Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, conditioned by Bhupat Seemar, and Japanese-trained Forever Young, who triumphed in last year’s Saudi Derby.
White Abarrio, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic victor and reigning Pegasus World Cup champion, will be returning to Saudi Arabia for another shot at glory under trainer Saffie Joseph.
Japan’s formidable representation in the event includes Ushba Tesoro (JPN), last year’s Saudi Cup runner-up, alongside Wilson Tesoro (JPN), both trained by Noboru Takagi. Additionally, Ramjet (JPN), prepared by Shozo Sasaki, is set to make an appearance.
The United States will also be well-represented with Rattle N Roll (USA), trained by Kenny McPeek, who secured his spot by winning the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, and Locked (USA), the Pegasus World Cup runner-up from Todd Pletcher’s barn.
Adding to the mix, UAE’s Walk Of Stars (GB), the recent Al Maktoum Challenge winner, will be joined by France’s Facteur Cheval (IRE), who finished third in the same race. Meanwhile, the local challenge will be spearheaded by El Kodigo (ARG), trained by Abdulaziz Mashref.
HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s high-caliber field. “We are thrilled with the strength and depth of this year’s Saudi Cup lineup and look forward to a spectacular two days of racing. Welcoming the best horses and connections from around the world to Saudi Arabia is a privilege, and we are committed to further elevating the event’s global stature.”
He also highlighted the recent promotion of the Red Sea Turf Handicap and Riyadh Dirt Sprint to Group 2 status, reinforcing the Saudi Cup’s reputation as a premier international racing festival.
A stellar supporting card will see the return of previous Saudi Cup meeting winners. British runner Spirit Dancer (GB), co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and trained by Richard Fahey, will defend his title in the $2 million Neom Turf Cup. He will be joined by Persica (IRE) and Irish contender Al Riffa (FR), among others.
Japan’s Shin Emperor (FR) and Killer Ability (JPN) will take on top European and Middle Eastern challengers in the 2100m turf contest, while the Riyadh Dirt Sprint, now upgraded to Group 2, will feature last year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser (USA) and defending champion Remake (JPN).
The 1351 Turf Sprint will see UK-based Annaf (IRE) attempt back-to-back victories, while U.S. contender Howard Wolowitz (USA) aims to claim a first win for his nation in the event. The Japanese charge is led by Ten Happy Rose (JPN), fourth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile.
The Red Sea Turf Handicap, won last year by legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien, will feature his Group 1 St Leger-winning charge Continuous (JPN). Other strong contenders include Deira Mile (IRE), Gregory (GB), and Al Nayyir (GB), along with international entries from Japan, France, and the UAE.
Meanwhile, the $1.5 million Saudi Derby will welcome Japan’s unbeaten filly Myriad Love (JPN), trained by Koichi Shintani, as well as promising UAE and Argentine challengers.
The Obaiya Arabian Classic will see 2023 winner Tilal Al Khalediah (KSA) attempt to reclaim his title against an elite field from the UAE, Qatar, and France. The first day of the event will also feature the Al Mneefah Cup, where Asfan Al Khalediah (KSA) is among the notable entrants.
With a truly international lineup and a purse of unprecedented scale, the 2025 Saudi Cup is poised to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the world of horse racing.
